The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
